A Temporary Sabbatical - Off To Iraq

Look forward to hearing from you when you get back.

Good Luck and keep your head down and your spirits up!

I think that is probably the best bit of advice I've read on here!!

Make sure you do keep your head down.

Good luck and hope to hear from you soon on here.

Look after yourself.

Find a nice, cosy, internet cafe & drop us all a line ().

Best wishes - John.

<Find a nice, cosy, internet cafe & drop us all a line ().>

Ditto.

Ditto

I'm proud of you Java. Godspeed.

Your service is appreciated.

milo

Semper Fi

No matter what service you are in. God Bless

Thank You and come back in one piece.

Good luck and take care of yourself

All the best, JavaHead. Looking forward to seeing you back.

Hello JavaHead

Thanks for your advice, and do trust you have an enjoyable "holiday" there.

Please ensure you come back in one piece, with no "parts" missing.

Kind Regards from far away.

May God watch over and protect you. Stay safe, and thank you for your sacrifices.

May God watch over and protect you. Stay safe, and thank you for your sacrifices.

Deserves another ditto.

Mr. Guy

Don't volunteer for nothin'....and don't let the generals take all the credit.

Good luck.................!!

Good luck.

And i am sure they have internet at the millitairy base for people to check their mail, and other interesting sites

Iraq the only place in the world where you need a VOLT METER to take a shower ???

That Iraq?

GOOD LUCK AND RETURN SAFELY !!!!

Although I can't think of any serious reason why US soldiers are needed in Iraq, me too, I wish you the all the best, JavaHead. And I'm already looking forward for your safe return.

^5 man !

Be safe and Godspeed, look forward to your return

Thank You for your service

Jim C

Java, I've talked with Iraq vets, and was told that internet service is sometimes available. Perhaps you could start a running blog here at CR4, we would love to hear your everyday experiences!

Nils Desparundum Carborundum

Keep healthy JH

Hear from you soon.

Say hi to my brother when you get there. He is on his second vacation with the Indiana National Guard. I keep a large outdoor flag hanging over my desk along with a "Bless Our Troops In Action" yard sign. I do this to remind me every day where he is along with others from my community and country. I will remember and pray for you as well.

As for the internet, my brother said he and a few others chipped in to have a connection put in their condo. The service is slow and sometimes not available. I guess it depends where you end up on how well the Internet is.

Well said, Duck.

Yup, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Proof that there really are idiots out there. You have your right to your opinion, and I respect that, but don't disgrace those that have, and will, fight and die for your right to that opinion. And next time, sign in like a man (just don't tell your mom).

No Ferris, I think it should stand, only because of the excellent response from The Duck. He writes:

"The Russians did by building a memorial to them at Kursk.

Soldiers are soldiers. Wars end".

I too, was upset after reading the "guest" post. I spent time thinking of an appropriate responce. However, The Duck beat me to it. That's good, because he summed it up with eloquence and an economy of words, that I could not have.

That post is not appropriate in this thread. To make such a comment under the spineless "guest", is a discredit to yourself, to "guests" everywhere, and a real good reason for other guests to sign up. Then, you won't be confused with this coward.

Well, Ian, we are certainly in agreement in wishing Javahead a safe deployment and in hoping and praying for his safety while overseas.

To that, I say amen and amen.

For some reason, there seems to be a limit on "Good Answers" on this thread. Unfortune since I rate this answer by IanR to be the best. You nailed it!!

Hello The Commoner

There are no "limits on Good Answers" in any thread I am aware of.

You may vote a GA point for each answer you choose. (Remember to Refresh your Internet Browser, for that GA Point to register on your Browser's Webpage.

If you vote a GA point a second time for any answer, the second GA point does not in fact actually register.

Likewise, you cannot vote a GA Point for your own Topic or your own Reply.

Kind Regards....

If I post as guest, can I vote for myself?

Hello bob c

Try it and see the pop-up message.

You cannot vote for yourself.

Kind Regards....

The Canadian Airborne Division, once a highly decorated and highly trained commando unit, cannot now or ever show it's regimental colours because of an act of supreme sadism on the part of a few individuals who called themselves soldiers.

The unit was disbanded under those shamefull conditions and those good men that were left were allowed to fly the regimental banners for one last time before dropping them on the ground.

It was indeed a sad day for the Esprit du Corps.

I have no idea what you are talking about, you silly duck!

Obviously

Here Daffy, I thought that comment about you being a silly duck was a bit personal.

We can only hope that all his chickens turn into emus and kick the guts out of his fowlhouse.

Nah......that's ok. We all go off into cartoonland every once in a while. No need for an emu-rgency..............I'm sure he'll emurg one day.

Cheers

Daffy

What can I say................very good............your'e smarter than the average bear.

................oops!!.........sorry............duck, Daffy..............No! No! No!

Daffy Duck

Many quacks.....

Somalia 1992

Since the Airborne was designed to deploy rapidly into "hot" situations, its 1, 2, and 3 Commando units, with attached support – a total of 900 soldiers – were sent to Somalia late in 1992. The operation was called Operation Deliverance and formed part of the overall U.S.-led Operation Restore Hope.

The unit had recently been reduced to battalion size and was still in the throes of reorganization as well as the severe cut-backs by the government at the time. Its positive accomplishments in Somalia have been overshadowed by the torture and murder of Somali teenager Shidane Arone, which became known as the Somalia Affair. The unit was subsequently disbanded.

The Somalia Affair was a Canadian military scandal in the mid-1990s. It began with the brutal 1993 beating death of a Somali teenager, Shidane Arone, at the hands of two Canadian soldiers participating in the United Nations humanitarian efforts in Somalia. The crime, documented by photos, shocked the Canadian public and brought to light internal problems in the Canadian Airborne Regiment that went beyond the two soldiers directly involved. Also of interest are the theories that the experimental malaria drugs that they were taking could have caused some of the behaviour. Questions were asked about why 2 Commando was chosen for that mission despite disciplinary problems at the time. Perhaps most damaging to the leadership of the Canadian military was how it reacted after the events became public, as accusations of covering up the event surfaced.

Eventually a public inquiry was called. Despite being controversially cut short by the government at the time led by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Minister of National Defence David Collenette, the Somalia Inquiry found deep problems in the leadership of the Canadian Forces. The affair led to the disbanding of Canada's elite Canadian Airborne Regiment, greatly damaged the morale of the Canadian Forces, and damaged both the domestic and international reputation of Canadian soldiers.

The "silly' duck

That was a tragic story...for all concerned. I missed your earlier reference...sorry.

I kinda figured you might have.

The really sad part was that the high command of the unit tried to cover up at the expense of the soldiers. In the end everybody lost.

Be safe soldier. See you in a year.

Good luck.

WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND SAFE COME BACK.MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

Suresh Sharma

Semper Fi

You are hero to me;

You fight the good fight for freedom and democracy;

The purple fingers of democracy thank you;

May our gratitude for your courage in service

And prayers for your safety go with you.

what they all said. Look us up when you get back so we can find you a new job if you need it.

Thank you for your service. God Bless and keep you. I hope you make it back safely. I look forward to hearing from you when you do.

You are a man among men, JH. It is because of your sacrifice that we who are still behind are able to what we do without fear of interference from tyrants abroad. We all look forward to your safe and speedy return. You are in our prayers and we thank you.

Sure do appreciate your upcoming investment into keeping America GREAT. We simply don't have enough people like you. If I could reach through the wires I'd give you a most hearty and sincere handshake and VERBAL thank you.

Sir, you do us ALL proud.

Sincerely

Ken

Don't listen to the nay sayers. The mission of freedom from tyranny and terrorism is needed around the world. It's not so funny, how so many forget 9/11. I too served in my younger days, but never had to serve in such a capacity. Go forth knowing that you are highly praised by us and we are grateful for your service.

Not to sound religious, but if you have God in your heart, and Peace in your mind, no matter the out come, you'll know it was a righteous one.

Possum,

Godspeed, JH. Thanks for your service. Looking forward to welcoming you home.

Hooker <--- Vietnam Vet

PS - Please give a loving pat to any Chinooks you may come across.

JavaHead,

Good luck, and be safe. Come back to us healthy.

-Bluezone

Good answer and great advice.

milo

"Ditto". Thank God, my nephew just got back, safe.

-Bluezone

Thank you for your service to your country and God speed your safe return to your friends, your home, and your family.

You sir are a hero to me as my father was in WWII. In this day and age I can think of worse people to look up to as heros. I pray for your, and all others safety. I pray for the courage and strength of your family. A soldier sacrifices a lot more than their spare time. I am one American who is very proud of you and your fellow soldiers. If you get online I hope you will honor this board for your post.

Thank You!!

Not from USA or any of its allies, but from a far away land.. a land which has suffered a lot in the hands of a brutal terrorist called Parbakaran.........from the tiny island called Sri Lanka.

Javahead i wish to add to all the wishes and prayers for your safe return from Iraq.

I only wish people in this world understand only great people and great nations have the courage to stand up to a terrorist. Just because a few soldiers did some dirty acts you cannot disgrace entire army.

When combating terrorists civilian deaths are unavoidable mainly because terrorists are cowards and hide among ordinary civilians. People who pint finger at governments or army for civilian hardships should first point their fingers at the terrorists.

Javahead we look forward to welcoming you when you return safely from Iraq.

Stay safe - keep low, move slow, and never volunteer for hazardous duty (ooops, too late!)!!! Check in when you can, buddy...

Stay safe JH and remember you are not only a soldier, you are an ambassador for your country.

Well said Brain............well said.

Not a dry eye in the house.

milo

JH you are being too humble when you say you are not a hero. In my eyes you are a HERO. What you are doing is not for the sake of your country but for the sake of entire human kind. Actually 9/11 was the real eye opener for the entire world.

I wish you the very best in your future.

I, for one, intend to copy this and send it to every media/newspaper/tv outfit in my country.

Bashing Yank politics is an easily affordable pastime for those who don't live there but the above statement cuts through the bs like a ray of light.

Right you are, Duckie, and I'm sending it to a few select media outlets here, too. Can't reach 'em all but the ones I have in mind might matter...

Please proof it before you do and invoke creative license to fix the few type-o's that are in it.

I was hoping that it did not come across wrong, but I tend to get a little passionate about this subject.

JavaHead, signing off for real this time... take care.

Hey JavaHead,

Much luck to you in Iraq, and thank you for your service. Wishing you a safe deployment and return. I earned much of the money to pay for my Mechanical Engineering degree while serving for eight years in the NYS National Guard, and so we have something in common.

Sincerely,

-april05

Good Luck Brother, keep your wits about you...

Thanks JavaHead,

Thanks for all your contributions. Takecare there and always keep your head down. Keep in touch if you find access to an internet cafe somewhere there on the military site.

As patriotic you are, be patriotic till you bring yourself back home safely...

Just one last request: "...when you're back, feeel us in....how it was...."

Good luck my frined.

Hubert

May you never need our blessings JavaHead,

Continue to use your head as you have here and you should do well.

Remember guide with precision, empower with emotion not the other way around.

And when things get you down, Up the universe- it covers it all.

Brad

GODSPEED Javahead...

Too late to catch JavaHead but I just want to say:

May the Lord protect you at all times
May He bless you and everyone you meet
May He touch those who mean to do harm, either to you or anyone else
May He provide for your needs and those around you
May He bring you back safe and sound

'See you soon bro.

you take care. i know that in war, the gods of chance are not kind, but try to come home whole in body and mind. feel free to contact me by message, or all of us by posts. joe

Good Day Everyone,

Just dropping a quick line to let everyone know that I have returned. This is my first day back in the office so I have a lot of catch-up to do so I will probably not make it back on these forums until next week, after I have had a chance to settle-in.

I am sorry for not posting any while I was in Iraq, but my conditions did not allow for it; I was not in a built-up area. Once a month when we did convoy into an actual base with internet, the limited time I had was spent catching up with my wife and family.

Take care, thank you all for the support, and I will see you all next week when I start reviewing, and contributing to, these forums again.

With kindest regards,

JavaHead

Welcome Back! I am glad you have returned safe and sound!

I also look forward to what you have to say about your deployment.

Thanks for your service, JavaHead!

Welcome back, and thank you for your service.

Welcome Home!!

Glad to see you back safe and sound. Did ya have a chance to hug a Chinook for me?

Hooker

Haha, actually... I did. We flew into Baghdad on a C5 from Kuwait. From there we took Chinooks out to a temporary location. And I remembered your post as we were waiting on the flight line for the Chinook to land. As I got on-board, I was second in line and was sat down right next to a door gunner. Before I sat I gave the door gunner a hug for you. Is that acceptable? He obviously was taken off-guard and gave me quite the look. But I out ranked him by quite a bit so there wasn't too much he could say, haha.

We took Chinooks quite a bit while we were over there. It was about a 70/30 split, respectively, between Chinooks and Blackhawks when we traveled by air.

JavaHead

Ahhhhhh, very Kewl. Thank you!!!! Very acceptable. Well, to me anyway. I can just see the look on that gunner's face.

Brings a tear to this old Hooker's eye and some good memories of hauling troops around.

Hooker